Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 信息 | xìnxī |
| 資訊 / 资讯 | zīxùn |
| 情報 / 情报 | qíngbào |
The term 信息 is a neutral and general way to say information, and it is also commonly used to mean a 'message' or a 'signal' in technical or communicative contexts. The term 资讯 or 資訊 refers to information in the context of data, news or professional services, frequently appearing in business or technology settings. Finally, 情报 is used specifically when referring to intelligence or information gathered for strategic, military or investigative purposes.
Which one should you use?
信息 is the most general term and can also mean a message or signal. 资讯 / 資訊 is used for professional information, data or news. 情报 is specialized and refers to intelligence or strategic information.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan and Hong Kong, the traditional character form 資訊 is the standard way to write 'information', while 资讯 is used in Mainland China. In Cantonese, the term 資訊 is used for information. In Hokkien, the term 資料 is used for information.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting individual pieces of information or messages, use the classifier 条.
How do you pronounce it?
xìnxī
Did you know?
- The classifier 条 used to count 信息 is the same word used for things that are long and thin, such as fish, trousers or rivers.
- The term 情报 for 'intelligence' shares the same root as 'espionage'. In a casual setting, if a friend says they have 情报 about a crush or a secret party, they are jokingly pretending to be a secret agent.
- In certain technical contexts, 信息 can refer to the biological 'signal' sent by a cell or a nerve, bridging the gap between digital data and biological information.
Examples in context
- 这是条有趣的信息。That's an interesting piece of information.This sentence shows how to describe a piece of information using 信息.Tatoeba #7774607 by jiangche, translation #323528 by CK
- 我想要了解一些信息。I'd like some information.This sentence demonstrates how to express a desire for information using 信息.Tatoeba #13285175 by Ayer, translation #3530277 by CK
- 这些信息对我们非常重要。The information is very important to us.This sentence shows how to describe the importance of information using 信息.Tatoeba #528043 by biglion, translation #46186 by CM
- 我需要一些信息。 (Wǒ xū yào yī xiē xìn xī.)I need some information.
- 这是最新的消息。 (Zhè shì zuì xīn de xiāo xi.)This is the latest news/information.
- 我们将发送有关会议的资讯。 (Wǒ men jiāng fā sòng yǒu guān huì yì de zī xùn.)We will send information regarding the meeting.
- 我想找一份工作的相关资料。 (Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo yī fèn gōng zuò de xiāng guān zī liào.)I am looking for related information about job opportunities.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking in an office about a new project.
- 伟 Wei你收到关于新项目的消息了吗？Nǐ shōudào guānyú xīn xiàngmù de xiāoxi le ma?Have you received any information about the new project?
- 梓涵 Zihan我还没收到任何信息。Wǒ hái méi shōudào rènhé xìnxī.I haven't received any information yet.
- 伟 Wei好的，那等有信息了告诉我。Hǎo de, nà děng yǒu xìnxī le gàosù wǒ.Okay, then let me know when there is information.
- 梓涵 Zihan没问题，我会通知你的。Méi wèntí, wǒ huì tōngzhī nǐ de.No problem, I will notify you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “information” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
